The U.S. State Quarter Program (1999–2008) introduced some of the most collectible modern coins in American history.
While most state quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents, a few rare minting errors have turned some of these coins into treasures worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
In some cases, error quarters have been estimated to be worth nearly $150 million, making them some of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
Below, we explore three of the most famous rare state quarters, the minting errors that make them valuable, and how collectors can identify these hidden gems.
The 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
The Delaware State Quarter was the first coin released in the State Quarter Program. It features an image of Caesar Rodney on horseback, honoring his historic ride to cast a vote for American independence in 1776.
However, a unique minting error caused an unusual detail on some of these quarters.
What Is the “Spitting Horse” Error?
On some Delaware quarters, a small raised line appears near the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is “spitting.” This error was caused by a die crack, a small flaw in the coin-making process.
Why Is It Valuable?
The rarity and uniqueness of the Spitting Horse error make it highly desirable among collectors. Some well-preserved specimens have been estimated to be worth as much as $150 million, making this one of the most sought-after error quarters.
The 2004 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
The Wisconsin State Quarter, released in 2004, features an image of a cow, a cheese wheel, and a corn stalk—symbols of the state’s rich agricultural heritage. However, some of these quarters contain a rare and valuable minting mistake known as the “Extra Leaf” error.
What Is the “Extra Leaf” Error?
This mistake resulted in an additional leaf appearing on the corn stalk, with two known variations:
| Variation | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| High Extra Leaf | The extra leaf appears higher up on the corn stalk. | Worth thousands of dollars |
| Low Extra Leaf | The extra leaf appears lower on the corn stalk. | Worth thousands of dollars |
Why Is It Valuable?
The Extra Leaf error makes these coins extremely rare, and collectors are willing to pay large sums for them. Some versions of this coin in uncirculated condition have sold for thousands of dollars at auctions.
The 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter
One of the most amusing minting errors comes from the Kansas State Quarter, released in 2005. This coin features an image of a bison along with the words “In God We Trust.”
However, some of these coins were struck with a noticeable error that makes them a favorite among collectors.
What Is the “In God We Rust” Error?
Due to a grease-filled die, the letter “T” in “Trust” was partially missing on some Kansas quarters, causing the coin to mistakenly read “In God We Rust.”
Why Is It Valuable?
While this error is not as rare as the Delaware or Wisconsin mistakes, the humorous nature of the error has made it highly desirable among collectors. In good condition, these quarters can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How to Identify a Rare State Quarter
If you want to check whether you have a rare state quarter, look for these key factors:
- Minting Errors – Look for missing letters, extra markings, or misplaced details.
- Uncirculated Condition – Coins in perfect condition are always worth more.
- Low Mintage Numbers – The rarer the coin, the higher its value.
Rare State Quarters
Rare state quarters are a collector’s dream, proving that small minting mistakes can turn ordinary coins into treasures. Whether it’s a spitting horse, an extra leaf, or a missing letter, these unique errors make certain quarters worth far more than their face value.
If you ever come across one of these rare state quarters, hold onto it—it could be worth a fortune!
